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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South African Imports.

Extending the ban to South African coal

Summary

Stagg urged the Government to prohibit South African coal imports and require clear identification, citing miners’ working and living conditions. Lenihan condemned apartheid but said a coal prohibition would not be practicable or effective; the existing fruit and vegetable order would continue.

Would the Minister consider extending the order referred to to South African coal, the importation of which amounted to 2.2 million tonnes in 1985? I am sure the Minister is aware of the conditions under which South African miners work, that 600 are killed per annum and that they are housed in single sex living quarters separate from their families. In view of this, will the Minister consider expanding the regulations to include South African coal and, because of the difficulty for the consumer in identifying such coal, will he consider introducing regulations——

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Brevity, please.

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——to make this produce clearly identifiable?

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There is a great problem in identifying South African coal.

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It is black and white.

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The miners are all black.

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I wish to express my abhorrence of apartheid in all its expressions. Its continuance can only further the degree of instability that already exists. We will do everything practicable in this respect but I do not believe in empty gestures. We will continue the order in relation to fruit and vegetables but the other matter is not really practicable.

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Can the Minister not give us an undertaking, in view of his expressed opinion, that he will introduce regulations which will make the importation of South African coal illegal?

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy has already asked that question and the Minister has replied.

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I do not believe in making prohibitions unless they can be effective.

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